Definition

Noun: 1. A children's chasing game: A game, often played in a circle, where one player (the "mouse") tries to enter or escape a circle formed by other players, while a second player (the "cat") tries to catch them. The circle participants raise or lower their joined hands to help or hinder the players. 2. A situation of pursuit and evasion: A situation characterized by one party relentlessly pursuing and another cleverly evading, often implying a prolonged and strategic contest where the advantage shifts back and forth.

Usage Examples

• The children spent the afternoon playing a lively game of cat and mouse on the playground.
• The detective knew the suspect was leading him on a frustrating cat and mouse chase through the city.
• Their negotiations became a tedious cat and mouse game, with neither side willing to make the first real concession.

Advanced Usage

• "to play (a game of) cat and mouse (with someone)": This is the most common verbal phrase. It describes engaging in a prolonged interaction where one party pursues and the other evades.
  • The hacker and the security team played a complex game of cat and mouse for weeks.
  • The journalist felt the source was playing cat and mouse with her, giving hints but never full information.

Variants and Related Words

• Cat-and-mouse (adjective): Used to describe the nature of such an interaction.
  • The investigation turned into a cat-and-mouse struggle.
• Pursuit (n): The action of following or chasing someone or something.
• Evasion (n): The action of escaping or avoiding something.

Synonyms

• Chase
• Pursuit
• Game of wits
• Tug-of-war (in the context of a prolonged struggle)

Related Idioms

• "A wild goose chase": A futile search or pursuit of something unattainable. (This emphasizes the futility, whereas "cat and mouse" emphasizes the strategic back-and-forth.)
• "To run rings around someone": To outwit or outmaneuver someone easily. (This describes the outcome for the "mouse," while "cat and mouse" describes the ongoing process.)

Noun

1. a game for children in which the players form a circle and join hands; they raise their hands to let a player inside the circle or lower their hands to bar a second player who is chasing the first